The future of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways continues to be a matter for debate – particularly between Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and state Representative Chris Kelly. The two politicians have been sparring over the park issue on Twitter, and on Saturday they met in the small southern Missouri town of Eminence for a formal debate.

Deep in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri a battles rages over the use of a National Park: The Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This national park is visited by millions each year and was the first federally protected river system, established in 1964.

Missouri House Democrats have shuffled several of their leadership positions.

Chris Kelly, of Columbia, was elected yesterday as caucus chairman to replace Steve Webb, of Florissant. Webb resigned his House seat last month while facing criminal charges. Kelly had been the caucus vice chairman and served 12 years in the House during the 1980s and 1990s. He also has served in the House since 2009.

The Democrats' new caucus vice chairwoman will be Gina Mitten, of St. Louis. She was elected to the state House in 2012.

After more than two decades of service, Brady Deaton's time as the University of Missouri's chancellor has come to an end. Friday marks the end of Deaton's tenure. He will now look to begin working for the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development, a position that he was appointed to by President Barack Obama in 2011.

Chris Kelly, Missouri state representative, commended the leadership that Deaton has displayed while at MU.

Former President of the Benton-Stephens Neighborhood Association, Democrat Kip Kendrick, announced Thursday he will run for the 45th District House seat. Democratic Representative, Chris Kelly, endorsed him.

Democratic State Rep. Chris Kelly announced today he will not run for re-election in the 45th House District next year. Kelly is currently serving his ninth term in the House and is eligible for one more.

But because of redistricting back in 2011, Kelly must move districts in order to run in 2014. Kelly, who currently resides in the 50th District, would have to move to the 45th District to seek another term.

Kelly said that it’s not the move that’s keeping him from running, but rather his concern for the future of the legislature.

A federal judge in Missouri has refused to remove herself from a lawsuit involving a failed sweetener company whose leaders were aggressively questioned by the judge's lawmaker husband.

Attorneys for investment bank Morgan Keegan wanted U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey to step aside from a lawsuit filed by an Alabama investor in the failed plant in Moberly.

The Columbia Tribune reports John Cromeans is seeking restitution of $50,000 he spent on bonds issued by the Moberly Industrial Development Authority for Mamtek U.S. Inc. and marketed by Morgan Keegan.

The Missouri House has sent back to a committee a proposal to issue $1.2 billion in bonds to fund construction projects at college campuses, parks and other state facilities.

House member Chris Kelly, a Democrat from Columbia, says the proposal needs adjustment and that working it out at the committee level would save time.

The bonding package would need voter approval if it clears the Legislature, which adjourns May 17. The House Budget Committee will re-examine the bonding measure, and Kelly says the full chamber could vote on it next week.

The UM system recommends curators approve an average tuition increase of 6.5 percent, with prices at the University of Missouri in Columbia spiking at as much as 7.5 percent.

State Rep. Chris Kelly (D - Columbia) says the decision is inevitable if the system wants to pay its expenses.

"The Governor's office left the Curators no choice but to go to tuition for money. The state's failing in its obligation, so we're transferring the cost of our education from students and their parents," Kelly said.

This week on Talking Politics two Jefferson City lawmakers (both from Columbia) delve into the future of higher education in the state of Missouri as potentially massive budget cuts in 2013 loom large.